Ubuntu 20.04 EOL Support & TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Solution

• Ubuntu 20.04 EOL in May 2025 will stop security updates, exposing systems to vulnerabilities and compliance risks for businesses.
• Upgrading to a newer LTS release or choosing Ubuntu Pro can be costly and complex.
• TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support offers indefinite security support with superior rebootless patching at a fraction of Ubuntu Pro’s cost.

Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa) has long been the operating system of choice for businesses and developers seeking a dependable, secure platform for mission-critical applications. However, with its end of life (EOL) set for May 2025, organizations still relying on it must prepare to face a host of challenges. 

This blog post discusses the upcoming Ubuntu 20.04 EOL, its impact on security updates, and support for businesses. It highlights the importance of planning for the transition to newer versions and explores various options, explaining why Ubuntu Pro may not be the best choice for maintaining system security and stability beyond the EOL date.

The Challenges of Ubuntu 20.04 EOL  

When the standard lifecycle of Ubuntu 20.04 reaches its EOL, Canonical will cease providing free security updates. This discontinuation exposes systems to unpatched vulnerabilities, a prime target for cybercriminals. For businesses in regulated industries, the stakes are even higher – failure to maintain compliance with security standards could result in fines, reputational damage, or business disruption. Ignoring these risks isn’t just negligent; it’s dangerous. IT teams must urgently evaluate their options to protect their Ubuntu 20.04 EOL deployments.  

Evaluating Your Options  

A common choice is upgrading to a newer LTS release, such as Ubuntu 22.04 or the upcoming Ubuntu 24.04. While this ensures continued support from Canonical, upgrades come with inherent complexities. Testing for compatibility, adapting applications, and minimizing downtime are all significant hurdles that can impede business operations and strain IT resources.  

Canonical also offers Ubuntu Pro, a paid subscription that extends security maintenance for LTS versions. However, this solution is far from ideal for every organization, as its high cost can be prohibitive. Fortunately, businesses have a more robust and economical option – TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support (ELS).  

TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support Advantage  

TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support redefines what organizations should expect when maintaining their Ubuntu 20.04 EOL systems. Here’s why TuxCare stands out as a superior choice over Canonical’s Ubuntu Pro subscription for most enterprises:

• Unlimited Support Duration: Unlike Ubuntu Pro, which offers only a limited extension period, TuxCare provides indefinite security updates for Ubuntu 20.04. This means businesses can operate on their current OS version for as long as they need without the constant pressure or expense of recurring upgrades.  
• Unmatched Rebootless Patching: Canonical’s Livepatch utility claims to provide rebootless patching but falls short where it matters most, leaving you exposed to over 90% of Ubuntu vulnerabilities. TuxCare’s ELS, augmented with KernelCare Enterprise, ensures comprehensive security by covering 100% of CVEs. With this service, your systems enjoy unparalleled stability and uptime without compromising on security.  
• Cost-Effectiveness: Organizations often face financial constraints, making the $225 annual cost of Ubuntu Pro per system prohibitive. TuxCare’s ELS is priced at just $42.50 per system per year, delivering a far more budget-friendly solution. Even with KernelCare Enterprise included, the combined service remains just $92 per system per year – a fraction of Canonical’s pricing.  
• Proactive Implementation: Businesses don’t need to wait until Ubuntu 20.04 EOL to secure their systems with TuxCare. They can access the service immediately, benefiting from early protection, with billing only beginning after the official EOL date.  

The Balance Between Security, Cost, and Stability  

Ubuntu 20.04 EOL doesn’t have to mean chaos for your organization. The decision you make today will dictate your security posture for years to come. While upgrading or purchasing Ubuntu Pro may seem like viable options at first glance, they come with significant drawbacks in terms of cost, complexity, and coverage.  

TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support, coupled with KernelCare Enterprise, provides the optimal combination of affordability, security, and operational continuity. Make the forward-thinking choice today – enroll in TuxCare’s ELS to ensure your Ubuntu 20.04 systems remain secure well beyond May 2025.

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Ubuntu 20.04 EOL Support & TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Solution

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Learn about Ubuntu 20.04 EOL, it’s challenges, and why TuxCare’s affordable ELS is the best option to secure your systems beyond EOL.

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Artem Karasev

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TuxCare

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